Inflatable water attraction

ABSTRACT

A water or other amusement or surfing attraction that includes an inflatable portion or material. A variety of different waveforms, such as curling waves, may be generated. The inflatable portion or material may be inflated to different pressures, or multiple inflatable portions or materials may be coupled with the attraction such that the shape of a riding surface can be manipulated by modifying the amount of air or fluid used to inflate the inflatable portions or materials. Contouring elements that exhibit a force upon a sliding surface of an attraction may be used to form a desired contour in the sliding surface. Various riding configurations may be used as part of the attraction, including sidewalls that taper inward or flare outward, bowl-shaped riding surfaces, and half-bowl-shaped riding surfaces. Staircases that are inflatable or non-inflatable may be used as entry and/or exit points for riders to interact with the riding surfaces.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/869,974, filed on Aug. 26, 2013, entitled“INFLATABLE WATER ATTRACTION,” which is hereby incorporated by referencein its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present invention relates generally to water attractions, such aswave machines or surfing simulators. More particularly, the presentinvention relates to amusement or water attractions that incorporate oneor more inflatable areas or portions.

2. Description of the Related Art

Water attractions (e.g., waterslides, surfing slides or machines,boogie-boarding slides, etc.) are a popular entertainment activityduring periods of warm weather. Conventional water attractions arecommonly made of fiberglass or other rigid or semi-rigid materials thatprovide a smooth and slippery surface for supporting a flow of waterthereon to transport a rider from an entrance to an exit. A variety ofdifferent types of ride vehicles (e.g., inner tubes, body boards, surfboards, floatation devices, etc.) may be used by the rider when therider travels along the water attraction by supporting the rider as theride vehicle slides along the sliding surface.

Maintaining low friction between the rider (or a ride vehicle that therider rides upon) and the sliding surface that supports the flow ofwater helps ensure an exciting or thrilling ride since the lower thefriction on the sliding surface of the water attraction, typically thegreater the speed that the rider may achieve. Lower friction between therider and the sliding surface can also increase the comfort of the ridersince it aids in preventing undesirable rubbing on the rider's skin ortugging at the rider's swimsuit. When using a ride vehicle, low frictioncan also aid in lengthening the life of the ride vehicle and the waterattraction due to reduced wear and tear to each of the ride vehicle andthe water attraction as the ride vehicle travels down the waterattraction, which can reduce maintenance or install costs.

One type of water attraction that has proven a popular lure for patronsto water or other amusement parks or venues is the surfing machine orsimulator. These machines may be used both for entertainment purposes aswell as training purposes for helping instruct individuals that may bewary or otherwise unable to surf out in the open ocean. Conventionalsurf machines utilize water pumps cooperating with nozzles or jets toflow a sheet or layer of water over a variety of surfaces and allowriders to skim atop the water flow. A sliding surface of the surfmachines is conventionally a rigid or semi-rigid, low-friction surfacethat supports maneuvering by riders upon a conventional or modifiedsurfboard or boogie board (individually and collectively referred to asa “board”).

Unfortunately, users without much surfing experience, either in theocean or upon surfing machines, commonly fall off of the board duringearly attempts at using surfing machines. The surfaces of these machinesmake uncomfortable contact with a rider upon the rider's falling off oftheir board. Moreover, the risk of falling while walking on conventionalsurf machines (e.g., when entering or exiting the portion of the ride tobe surfed upon) is heightened since the surfing machine surface mustcommonly be manufactured to be slippery in order to adequately allow forlow-friction between a rider's board and the surface of the ride.

As the sheet flow or standing wave product (collectively “surfingmachine”) market becomes more popular, water venues increasingly look tonew surfing machines that can provide novel experiences to riders.Moreover, as the surfing industry becomes more sophisticated and theinfluence of extreme sports becomes more popular, more extreme standingwaves created by such surfing machines is desired in order to satisfythe thrill anticipated by these new generation of users, both adults andchildren. As new surfing machines are developed, particularly those withmore extreme characteristics, safety concerns, maneuverability, andrider comfort must be adequately addressed.

Thus, an improved water attraction configured to allow for various kindsof waveforms, to help ensure rider safety, to reduce rider discomfort,and/or to improve rider maneuverability is desired. Ideally, the waterattraction would allow a rider to make contact with the surface of thewater attraction, for example, upon falling off of a ride vehicle, withreduced risk of injury or discomfort. Moreover, the water attractionwould ideally permit improved control, either by the rider themselves,or by the ride designer, over the speed, location, orientation, or othermaneuverability characteristic as the rider uses the water attraction.

SUMMARY

A water attraction or ride vehicle using inflatable materials isdisclosed. In one embodiment, a water attraction may include a source ofwater for providing a flow of water, a sliding surface configured tosupport the flow of water thereon, a draining surface coupled with thesliding surface and configured to drain at least a portion of the flowof water therethrough, and an inflatable element disposed beneath thesliding surface, the inflatable element configured to inflate to producea force upon the sliding surface.

In another embodiment, a water attraction may include a first inflatablebladder, a sheet disposed on at least a portion of the first inflatablebladder, wherein the sheet forms a first contour if the first inflatablebladder is inflated to a first pressure, and a source of waterconfigured to provide a flow of water onto the sheet for a user to ridethereon.

In still another embodiment, a method of creating a wave of water forriding by a user, may include the steps of providing a sliding surface,the sliding surface configured to support the user thereon, providing aninflatable element positioned beneath the sliding surface, inflating theinflatable element to a first pressure, and flowing a flow of water ontothe sliding surface, at least a portion of the flow of water forming afirst wave shape based upon a contour of the sliding surface due to theinflatable element being inflated to the first pressure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the artupon examination of the following figures and detailed description. Itis intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, andadvantages be included within this description, be within the scope ofthe present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.Component parts shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale andmay be exaggerated to better illustrate the important features of thepresent invention. In the drawings, like reference numerals designatelike parts throughout the different views, wherein:

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of an inflatable standing wave waterattraction for a rider to surf thereon according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 1B shows a top view of a sliding surface of the inflatable standingwave water attraction with an inflatable bladder for modifying a shapeof a wave formed from a flow of water according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 1C shows a top view of a sliding surface of the inflatable standingwave water attraction with a plurality of inflatable bladders formodifying a shape of a wave formed from a flow of water according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an inflatable water attractionconfigured to generate a curling wave for a rider to surf thereonaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an inflatable water attraction havingcurved and tapering sidewalls to generate a sliding surface for a riderto surf thereon according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an inflatable water attraction havingcurved and flaring sidewalls to generate a sliding surface for a riderto surf thereon according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows a top view of an inflatable water attraction having abowl-shaped sidewall to generate a sliding surface for a rider to surfthereon according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows a top view of an inflatable water attraction having ahalf-bowl-shaped sidewall to generate a sliding surface for a rider tosurf thereon according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7A shows a side view of an inflatable water attraction utilizing aconnected plant room or equipment room and an integrated nozzle;

FIG. 7B shows a side view of an inflatable water attraction utilizing asubmerged pump and an integrated nozzle;

FIG. 8A shows a side view of an inflatable water attraction with avariable ride surface and constant positioned dewatering area; and

FIG. 8B shows a side view of an inflatable water attraction with avariable ride surface and variable dewatering area.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description of exemplary embodiments herein makes referenceto the accompanying drawings and pictures, which show the exemplaryembodiments by way of illustration and its best mode. While theseexemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable thoseskilled in the art to practice the invention, it should be understoodthat other embodiments may be realized and that logical and mechanicalchanges may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented forpurposes of illustration only and not of limitation. For example, thesteps recited in any of the method or process descriptions may beexecuted in any order and are not limited to the order presented.Moreover, any of the functions or steps may be outsourced to orperformed by one or more third parties. Furthermore, any reference tosingular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more than onecomponent may include a singular embodiment.

Turning first to FIG. 1 a perspective view of a water attraction 100 isshown that incorporates inflatable areas or materials. The waterattraction 100 is formed of a structure that utilizes one or moreinflatable elements (e.g., walls 140, 142). The inflatable elements maybe walls, for example, as shown, that are configured to couple with oneanother and/or to other components of the water attraction 100 in orderto form a stable base capable of supporting a flow of water upon certainsurfaces of the water attraction 100. A rider may therefore ride or surfupon such surfaces, as discussed in greater detail herein. A coating maybe sprayed, painted, or otherwise applied to a surface of the inflatableelements or non-inflatable elements of the water attraction 100, forexample, to vary the smoothness or frictional coefficient of theunderlying elements, as desired.

As illustrated, a source of water, such as one or more nozzles or jets130 are connected at one end of the water attraction 100 and areconfigured to spray, flow, or otherwise provide a volume or flow 135 ofwater upon certain surfaces of the water attraction 100. For example, afirst surface 101 disposed immediately adjacent to the nozzles or jets130 may be substantially planar in nature. A second surface 102 may bedisposed at a tilted or inclined orientation (e.g., curved or planar)and coupled with the first surface 101, with a lower elevation disposedcloser to the nozzles or jets 130. In one embodiment, the first surface101 and the second surface 102 may be formed of the same material orsame component. In an alternative embodiment, the first surface 101 andthe second surface 102 may be made of different materials or components.

A third surface 104 is connected with the second surface 102 and allowsfor water to be drained from the third surface 104 (e.g., via a grating,grille, mesh, etc. or other porous configuration or material making upthe third surface 104). Thus, the flow of water from the nozzles 130flows onto the first surface 101, then onto the second surface 102, andfinally onto the third surface 104 where the water is drained to a waterreservoir 110 located, for example, underneath the first surface 101,the second surface 102, and/or the third surface 104. One or more lowerdewatering surfaces 105 and/or 106 may be positioned adjacent to thenozzles 130 and/or at lower elevation surfaces, for example, to drainwater from the water attraction 100 when the water attraction is notpowered or operating.

A plant room 115 for containing mechanical and/or electrical componentsthat interface with the nozzles 130 is disposed adjacent to the nozzles130. For example, a pump 145 may communicate with water in the waterreservoir 110 and may be configured to pump at least some of the waterin the water reservoir 110 back to the nozzles 130 so that the water canbe recirculated and flow again over the first, second, and thirdsurfaces (101, 102, 104). The plant room 115 may be designed as apermanent structure, or may be a temporary structure (e.g., aninflatable and/or a mobile fiberglass structure) that is configured tobe transported as part of a mobile water attraction. In someembodiments, the plant room 115 may feature an integrated or built innozzle for the flowing of water onto the first, second, and/or thirdsurfaces (101, 102, 104). Thus, in one embodiment, the water attraction100 may be an inflatable standing wave ride that is connected to aseparate fiberglass pump and/or plant room. In another embodiment, apump may be located within a portion or area of the waterslideattraction 100, for example, within the water reservoir, for thepurposes of water recirculation.

A staircase 150 is positioned on one side of the water attraction 100and extends from a ground level to the third surface 104 for allowingentry and/or exit access for riders wishing to use the water attraction100. In an alternative embodiment, different locations along the waterattraction 100 for a staircase may be used (e.g., alternative sides ofthe ride) and/or multiple staircases may be used (e.g., two staircases,one on each side of the ride). The staircase 150 includes steps 152 andside rails 154. The side rails 154 may help ensure safety of ridersusing the steps 152 so that they do not fall off of the staircase 150 inthe case of a loss of footing. Either or both of the steps 152 and/orside rails 154 may be inflatable. Similarly, perimeter protectionbumpers 120 or other handrails, guardrails, footholds, handholds, etc.may be disposed along an outer edge of the water attraction 100 (or atother locations along its surfaces) for increased safety and/orcontainment of riders and/or water flowing on the water attraction 100.In one embodiment, the perimeter protection bumpers 120 may beinflatable.

In one embodiment, one or more inflatable elements of the waterattraction 100 may be inflated to differing pressures in order toraise/lower or otherwise adjust a shape of a wave formed by the flow ofwater upon its surfaces (e.g., the second surface 102). For example, thesecond surface 102 may be a fabric, sheet or other material that isstretched (e.g., tensioned) or positioned over one or more inflatableelements (e.g., bladders) located beneath the second surface 102. Inanother embodiment, the inflatable elements may be formed integrally aspart of the second surface 102. In such an embodiment, a rider may rideupon the inflatable or other contouring elements themselves (e.g., ifthe inflatable or other contouring elements are positioned on a top sideof the sliding surface). Alternatively, an integrally formed inflatableor contouring element may be contained within an interior area of afabric, sheet, or other material that is used for the second surface102.

As certain of those inflatable elements are inflated or the pressures ofcertain of those inflatable elements are adjusted, the shape of thesecond surface 102 may be modified as the inflatable elements act toraise or otherwise adjust the shape of the second surface 102. Whenwater flows over the second surface 102, the shape of the second surface102 may cause the water to form different types of wave shapes (e.g.,curling waves to the left or to the right, barreling waves to the leftor to the right, etc.).

In another embodiment, one or more inflatable elements of the waterattraction 100 may be inflated to differing pressures in order tomaintain stability of the water attraction 100 while also providing safeand/or comfortable impact surfaces for riders (e.g., riders that falloff of their board or other ride vehicle). For example, impact or ridingareas of the water attraction 100 may have the one or more inflatableelements in or associated with those areas inflated to a lower pressurewhile access and/or structural areas of the water attraction 100 mayhave the one or more inflatable elements in or associated with thoseareas inflated to a higher pressure. In another embodiment, one or moreof the first surface 101, the second surface 102, and/or the thirdsurface 104 may have an adjustable gradient for the riding slope. Forexample, such a configuration may be used to direct water flow in aparticular direction from a higher slope elevation to a lower slopeelevation.

FIG. 1B shows one exemplary method or manner of obtaining a desiredwaveform or shape on the water attraction 100 of FIG. IA. An inflatableportion or bladder 160 is disposed on or otherwise coupled with (e.g.,located beneath) the second surface 102 of the water attraction 100. Asincreased amount of air or other fluid is provided to or in the bladder160, the bladder 160 inflates and presses against the second surface102, causing the second surface 102 to extend upward in a predeterminedshape. For example, the concave portion 162 of the bladder 160 may forma curling wave when a flow of water flows 164 across the second surface102. Any of a variety of shapes may be formed via bladders coupled withthe second surface 102 in an alternative embodiment. In one example, thebladder 160 may extend to the full width and/or length of the slidingsurface 102 and/or the water attraction 100. Certain embodiments mayutilize additional inflatable elements configured to be positioned belowand/or secured on top of the second surface 102 in order to generate adesired wave shape.

FIG. 1C shows another exemplary method of obtaining a desired waveformor shape on the water attraction 100. A plurality of inflatable portionsor bladders 170 are disposed on or otherwise coupled with (e.g., locatedbeneath) the second surface 102 of the water attraction 100. Similar tothe discussion above, one or more of the inflatable portions or bladders170 may be inflated so as to direct the flow of water that flows 164across the second surface 102 in a desired or predetermined direction,thus creating waves having a certain shape or configuration. In additionor in the alternative, the bladders 170 may be manipulated so as tocontrol the flow of water without changing a shape of a wave to beridden by a rider (e.g., certain bladders 170 may be inflated in orderto direct the flow of water to a drainage area).

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a water attraction 200 that generatesa curling wave 210 that may be ridden or otherwise interacted with by arider. The water attraction 200 may include features that are the sameas or similar to those previously discussed. Thus, the water attraction200 may utilize inflatable elements or portions and/or coatings forachieving a desired frictional coefficient such that a rider can rideupon a flow of water upon a sliding surface 202 and surf on or in a partof the curling wave 210. Any of a variety of wave shapes or types may begenerated in an alternative embodiment. In an alternative embodiment,multiple waves (e.g., curling waves) may be generated upon a slidingsurface of a water attraction.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a water attraction 300 with curvedsidewalls that taper from a front end 360 to a rear end 370 of the waterattraction 300. The water attraction 300 may include features that arethe same as or similar to those previously discussed. Thus, the waterattraction 300 may utilize inflatable elements or portions and/orcoatings for achieving a desired frictional coefficient such that arider can ride upon a flow of water upon a sliding surface 310.

A first curved sidewall 320 is disposed along a first edge of thesliding surface 310. A second curved sidewall 322 is disposed along asecond and opposite edge of the sliding surface 310. A flow of water 340is provided onto the sliding surface 310 by one or more nozzles 350 orother jets. After flowing over the sliding surface, the flow of watermay drain through a drainage surface or portion 330, the same as orsimilar to the previous discussion. In certain embodiments, additionaldrainage surfaces or portions 332 and/or 334, located at a top of eachof the curved sidewalls 320 and/or 322 may be used. A rider may slide orsurf upon the sliding surface 310 on the flow of water 340 and alsoslide or carve up all or a portion of the first curved sidewall 320and/or the second curved sidewall 322. Although the sidewalls (320, 322)are shown in a tapered configuration from the front end 360 to the rearend 370 of the water attraction 300, in an alternative embodiment, thesidewalls (320, 322) may not taper and instead may be parallel orsubstantially parallel to one another or be oriented in a differentconfiguration.

Similar to FIG. 3, a perspective view of a water attraction 400 is shownin FIG. 4. However, the water attraction 400 is shown with curvedsidewalls that flare from a front end 460 to a rear end 470. The waterattraction 400 may include features that are the same as or similar tothose previously discussed. Thus, the water attraction 400 may utilizeinflatable elements or portions and/or coatings for achieving a desiredfrictional coefficient such that a rider can ride upon a flow of waterupon a sliding surface 410.

A first curved sidewall 420 is disposed along a first edge of thesliding surface 410. A second curved sidewall 422 is disposed along asecond and opposite edge of the sliding surface 410. A flow of water 440is provided onto the sliding surface 410 by one or more nozzles 450 orother jets. In certain embodiments, additional or alternative nozzles orjets may be placed in other locations of the water attraction 400, forexample, atop or beneath one or both of the curved sidewalls (420, 422)and directed onto one of both of the curved sidewalls (420, 422) inorder to better wet the surfaces of the curved sidewalls (420, 422).After flowing over the sliding surface 410, the flow of water may drainthrough a drainage surface or portion 430, the same as or similar to theprevious discussion. Similar to previously discussed, in certainembodiments, additional drainage surfaces or portions 432 and/or 434,located at a top of each of the curved sidewalls 420 and/or 422 may beused. A rider may slide or surf upon the sliding surface 410 upon theflow of water 440 and also slide or carve up all or a portion of thefirst curved sidewall 420 and/or the second curved sidewall 422.Although the sidewalls (420, 422) are shown in a flared configurationfrom the front end 460 to the rear end 470 of the water attraction 400,in an alternative embodiment, the sidewalls (420, 422) may not flare andinstead may be parallel or substantially parallel to one another or beoriented in a different configuration.

Turning next to FIG. 5, a water attraction 500 is shown from a topperspective. The water attraction 500 may include features that are thesame as or similar to those previously discussed. For example, the waterattraction 500 may include inflatable portions or elements that can beinflated to provide a riding surface or that can be inflated to providea stable base or structure for coupling with a riding surface, such as afabric sheet (e.g., flexible and/or with a low coefficient of friction),for enabling surfing or other riding by a rider.

The water attraction 500 is formed in the shape of a bowl. At a centerarea of the bowl is a plurality of nozzles 504 configured in a radialorientation such that they are capable of spraying or flowing 506 waterin substantially 360 degrees. In an alternative embodiment, theplurality of nozzles 504 may be a single nozzle and/or may be capable offlowing water in less than 360 degrees. A sliding surface 502 in theshape of a bowl is positioned adjacent to the plurality of nozzles 504.Thus, similar to previous embodiments, a rider may ride upon a flow ofwater from the plurality of nozzles 504 that flows over the slidingsurface 502, thus surfing or skimming on the water along an interiorsurface of the bowl shape. The bowl shape may allow for greater numbersof riders to concurrently use the water attraction 500.

A drainage surface 510 is positioned adjacent to the sliding surface502. In an exemplary embodiment, the drainage surface is coupled with orotherwise meets with an upper edge of the sliding surface 502 such thatthe flow of water from the plurality of nozzles 504 travels onto thedrainage surface 510 after flowing over the sliding surface 502. Thus,the water flowed 506 from the plurality of nozzles 504 flows first ontothe sliding surface 502 in a direction towards the drainage surface 510.When the water encounters the drainage surface 510, the water is drainedto a water reservoir, for example, a tank or volume of space positionedbeneath the drainage surface. In one embodiment, the water reservoir maybe disposed around at least part of a perimeter of the bowl shape formedby the sliding surface 502. In an alternative embodiment, the waterreservoir may be of any shape and located at any of a variety ofpositions, for example, interfacing with the water drained through thedrainage surface 510 via a piping system to transport the water.

The same or similar methods or manners previously discussed, utilizingpumps, motors, and/or other mechanical and/or electrical equipment, maybe used for pumping or otherwise recirculating the water in the waterreservoir back to the plurality of nozzles 504 so that it can be reusedand flowed again over the sliding surface 502. Riders may enter upon thesliding surface 502 of the water attraction 500 via the drainage surface510 or, in an alternative embodiment, another path, entrance, or exitmeans may be provided (e.g., a staircase may extend to a center of thebowl from outside the bowl, a portion of the bowl may be cut-away toallow riders to enter into the center of the bowl, etc.).

FIG. 6 shows a water attraction 600 in the form of a half-bowl from atop view. The water attraction 600 may include features that are thesame as or similar to those previously discussed. For example, the waterattraction 600 may include inflatable portions or elements that can beinflated to provide a riding surface or that can be inflated to providea stable base or structure for coupling with a riding surface, such as afabric sheet with a low coefficient of friction, for enabling surfing orother riding by a rider.

The water attraction 600 is formed in the shape of a half-bowl. At alower area or position of the half-bowl is a plurality of nozzles 604configured in a radial orientation such that they are capable ofspraying or flowing 606 water in an outward direction onto the half-bowlshape (e.g., substantially 180 degrees). In an alternative embodiment,the plurality of nozzles 604 may be a single nozzle and/or may becapable of flowing water in less than or greater than 180 degrees. Asliding surface 602 in the shape of a half-bowl is positioned adjacentto the plurality of nozzles 604. Thus, similar to previous embodiments,a rider may ride upon a flow of water from the plurality of nozzles 604that flows over the sliding surface 602, thus surfing or skimming on thewater along an interior surface of the half-bowl shape.

A drainage surface 610 is positioned adjacent to the sliding surface602. In an exemplary embodiment, the drainage surface is coupled with orotherwise meets with an upper edge of the sliding surface 602 such thatthe flow of water from the plurality of nozzles 604 travels onto thedrainage surface 610 after flowing over the sliding surface 602. Thus,the water flowed 606 from the plurality of nozzles 604 flows first ontothe sliding surface 602 in a direction towards the drainage surface 610.When the water encounters the drainage surface 610, the water is drainedto a water reservoir, for example, a tank or volume of space positionedbeneath the drainage surface 610. In one embodiment, the water reservoirmay be disposed around at least part of a perimeter of the half-bowlshape formed by the sliding surface 602. In an alternative embodiment,the water reservoir may be of any shape and located at any of a varietyof positions, for example, interfacing with the water drained throughthe drainage surface 610 via a piping system to transport the water.

The same or similar methods or manners previously discussed, utilizingpumps, motors, and/or other mechanical and/or electrical equipment, maybe used for pumping or otherwise recirculating the water in the waterreservoir back to the plurality of nozzles 604 so that it can be reusedand flowed again over the sliding surface 602. Riders may enter upon thesliding surface 602 of the water attraction 600 via the drainage surface610 or, in an alternative embodiment, other entrance means may beprovided (e.g., riders may enter the sliding surface 602 from a side ofthe half-bowl shape without having to first step onto the drainagesurface 610).

FIG. 7A shows a side view of an inflatable water attraction 700utilizing a connected plantroom or equipment room. The water attraction700 may include features that are the same as or similar to thosepreviously discussed. The water attraction 700 has an inflatable base702 upon which a sliding surface 706 is integral or attached thereto. Arider may surf or otherwise slide, either with or without a ridevehicle, upon a flow of water directed upon the sliding surface 706.Similar to embodiments previously discussed, a drainage or dewateringarea 708 is integral with the inflatable base 702 or is attached orformed thereon (e.g., via mesh, grating, grilles, etc.) and allows theflow of water to drain through the drainage or dewatering area 708 afterthe flow of water has traveled across the sliding surface 706 into awater reservoir 710. As illustrated, the water reservoir 710 may belocated beneath the sliding surface 706 and/or drainage or dewateringarea 708 and contained by at least a part of the inflatable base 702.

The inflatable base 702 includes a first set of a plurality of fixings720 disposed along a surface of the inflatable base 702 (e.g., anunderside) and are configured to attach or otherwise couple with aground or floor surface to help maintain stability for the waterattraction 700. A separate plantroom 730 is located adjacent to theinflatable base 702 for the containment of various pieces of equipmentused for proper operation of the water attraction 700 (e.g., filtrationunits, dosing units, controls, pumps, air blowers, nozzles, etc.). Asecond set of a plurality of fixings 722 are disposed on the plantroom730 and/or on the inflatable base 702 for connecting the inflatable base702 to the plantroom 730. In one embodiment, securing the inflatablebase 702 to the plantroom 730 (e.g., a heavier structure) may help keepthe inflatable base 702 in a desired position, for example, duringerection, during times when it is empty of water (such as duringinspection or servicing), and/or when the inflatable base 702 isotherwise deflated of air or fluid.

The plantroom 730 includes a variety of pieces of equipment therein. Forexample, one or more pumps 750 is provided for pumping water from thewater reservoir 710 to one or more nozzles 740. A section inlet 780 maybe provided within the water reservoir 710 and connected with the one ormore pumps 750. The suction inlet 780 may be positioned near the groundor floor such that water is enabled to be pumped from the bottom of thewater reservoir 710. The one or more nozzles 740 is connected with thesuction inlet 780 and/or the one or more pumps 750 via a filtration unitand/or dosing unit and/or manifold 770. The one or more nozzles 740 aredirectly connected with the inflatable base 702 and are configured tospray water received from the water reservoir 710 back onto the slidingsurface 706 of the water attraction 700. In certain embodiments, theplantroom 730 may also include equipment for inflating one or more ofthe inflatable portions or surfaces of the water attraction 700 (e.g.,air blowers).

FIG. 7B shows a side view of an inflatable water attraction 780. Thewater attraction 780 has a base or structure 782 (e.g., inflatable) thatforms or supports a sliding surface 781 for a rider to ride or surfthereon and a dewatering area 783 for draining water into a waterreservoir 784 located beneath the sliding surface 781 and/or thedewatering area 783. The water attraction 780 may include features thatare the same as or similar to those previously discussed, for example,in FIG. 7A. However, the water attraction 780 utilizes a submerged pump786, located at least partially within the water reservoir 784 forpumping water from the water reservoir 784 to one or more nozzles 792.The one or more nozzles 792 and associated piping or plumbing may belocated within a nozzle area 790 (e.g., a connected plant room orequipment room). The nozzle area 790 may be a dry or wet area. The oneor more nozzles 792 may be directly connected with the base or structure782 and are configured to spray water received from the water reservoir784 back onto the sliding surface 781 of the water attraction 780.

FIG. 8A shows a side view of an inflatable water attraction 800 with avariable ride surface and constant positioned dewatering area. The waterattraction 800 may include features that are the same as or similar tothose previously discussed. The water attraction 800 has an inflatablebase 802 that forms or supports a riding surface 804. A flow of water810 (e.g., from nozzles, jets, a sluice, gravity, etc.) flows over theriding surface 804 and is evacuated at a dewatering area 806 by draining820 into a water reservoir located beneath the riding surface 804 and/orthe dewatering area 806.

The riding surface 804 may be adjustable or variable, for example, togenerate larger or smaller waves and/or a steeper surfing or ridingportion. In one embodiment, the riding surface 804 may be varied via theuse of inflatable bladders positioned underneath the riding surface 804.Likewise, any other type of contouring element may be (inflatable ornot) to vary the riding surface 804 (e.g., hydraulic elements, etc.). Afirst riding surface configuration 830 (e.g., a beginner configuration)may provide a rider with a low-elevation and easier surface to surfthereon. A second riding surface configuration 832 (e.g., a general useconfiguration) may provide a rider with a medium-elevation surface tosurf thereon. A third riding surface configuration 834 (e.g., an expertconfiguration) may provide a rider with a steep-elevation surface tosurf thereon. For each of the above-described configurations, thedewatering area 806 does not adjust in elevation. Different wave formsor shapes may be generated on any of the above-described configurations(e.g., the third riding surface configuration 834 may incorporate tubeor barreling waves). In an alternative embodiment, greater or fewervariations to the riding surface 804 may be obtained.

FIG. 8B shows a side view of a portion of a riding surface 870 of aninflatable water attraction 850 with a variable ride surface andvariable dewatering area. The same as or similar to the abovedescription for FIG. 8A, the riding surface 870 may be configured to bein a first riding configuration 860 (e.g., a beginner configuration), asecond riding configuration 862 (e.g., a general use configuration), anda third riding configuration 864 (e.g., an expert configuration).However, in FIG. 8B, a dewatering area 880 is configured to also adjustin elevation depending upon the configuration of the riding surface 870.For example, the dewatering area 880 may be at a lowest elevation whenthe riding surface 870 is in the first riding configuration 860, amiddle elevation when the riding surface 870 is in the second ridingconfiguration 862, and a highest elevation when the riding surface 870is in the third riding configuration 864. Similar to the above,different wave forms or shapes may be generated on any of theabove-described configurations and/or greater or fewer variations to theriding surface 870 may be obtained in alternative embodiments.

Although the embodiments shown and described above feature waterattractions having particular configurations or shapes, an inflatableportion and/or coating applied to the inflatable portion may beimplemented on any of a variety of water or other attractions. In oneexample, entry and/or exit locations for a water ride may differ fromthose explicitly shown in the embodiments illustrated. In anotherexample, a water attraction, such as a curling wave surfing ride, mayhave its entire main structure or sliding surface as an inflatablestructure or made from an inflatable material. Alternatively, a waterattraction, such as a curling wave surfing ride, may only be constructedwith partially inflatable structures (e.g., at the entry and exit pointsand/or the sliding surface or riding area). In dewatering or drainageareas of a water attraction, such as at the exit points, an integralnetting or grating may be used in place of, or in conjunction with, theinflatable materials at those locations.

The inflatable portion or portions may be adjusted to differentpressures and/or different inflation amounts in order to achieve avariety of different wave forms or riding surface shapes orconfigurations. Moreover, alternative embodiments may have certaininflatable portions filled to greater pressures or amounts to aid instability of the ride while other inflatable portions are filled tolower pressures or amounts to aid in providing a comfortable surface forriders to make contact with, for example, when such riders fall or losetheir footing. Still other embodiments may utilize contouring elementsor portions that exhibit a force on a sliding surface in similar fashionto the described inflatable embodiments, but may utilize hydraulic orother moving components, as previously discussed. Any of a variety ofcoatings may be applied to the surfaces of the inflatable portions, orother areas, of the water attractions (e.g., to increase or decreasefriction coefficients of certain surfaces with respect to others). Oneor more inflatable portions may be positioned at any desired locationalong the water attraction, for example, to provide a less rigid surfacefor more comfortably supporting riding thereon and/or to absorb animpact of the rider or a ride vehicle. In one example, the inflatablestructure may be completely above ground, completely below ground, orpartially above and partially below ground. In some embodiments, a waterreservoir of the water attraction may be made of the inflatablematerial.

A water attraction using an inflatable portion or portions may bemodular in nature such that it may be more easily manufactured,transportable, and/or constructed at a given location. For example, awater attraction using an inflatable portion or portions may be designedto be portable such that it is intended to be used at a given geographiclocation for a short period and then deflated and/or deconstructed andshipped to a new location. A lifting pallet (e.g., configured tointerface with a forklift or other equipment designed to coupletherewith for transportation) may be integral, built in, or otherwiseattached with a surface of a water attraction (e.g., on an underside, tothe draining surface, sliding surface, or any other component) in orderto more easily move the water attraction between geographic locations.Certain embodiments may utilize different colors, textures, patterns,etc. upon different areas or surfaces of the water attraction, forexample, to help riders distinguish between queuing/non-riding areas andthe riding areas of the attraction. Certain embodiments, including anyof those previously discussed, may utilize a sheet flow of water or adeep flow of water to generate a standing wave ride.

The previous description of the disclosed examples is provided to enableany person of ordinary skill in the art to make or use the disclosedmethods and apparatus. Accordingly, the terminology employed throughoutshould be read in a non-limiting manner. Various modifications to theseexamples will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and theprinciples defined herein may be applied to other examples withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the disclosed method andapparatus. The described embodiments are to be considered in allrespects only as illustrative and not restrictive and the scope of theinvention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than bythe foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning andrange of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within theirscope. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality invarying ways for each particular application, but such implementationdecisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from thescope of the disclosed apparatus and methods. The steps of the method oralgorithm may also be performed in an alternate order from thoseprovided in the examples.

What is claimed is:
 1. A water attraction comprising: a source of waterfor providing a flow of water; a sliding surface configured to directthe flow of water thereon; a draining surface coupled with the slidingsurface and configured to drain at least a portion of the flow of watertherethrough; and a contouring element disposed adjacent to the slidingsurface, the contouring element configured to be modified to produce aforce upon the sliding surface.
 2. The water attraction of claim 1wherein the contouring element is inflatable, the contouring elementconfigured to inflate to produce a force upon the sliding surface. 3.The water attraction of claim 2 wherein the force upon the slidingsurface is configured to create a wave of water in at least a portion ofthe flow of water.
 4. The water attraction of claim 3 wherein thecontouring element is configured to be inflated to a first pressure orto a second pressure, the wave of water being different when thecontouring element is inflated to the first pressure compared to thesecond pressure.
 5. The water attraction of claim 1 further comprising astaircase coupled with the draining surface, at least a part of thestaircase being made of an inflatable material.
 6. The water attractionof claim 1 further comprising: a first sidewall coupled with a firstside of the sliding surface; and a second sidewall coupled with a secondside, opposite the first side, of the sliding surface, wherein the firstsidewall and the second sidewall form a tapered area therebetween suchthat the sliding surface is wider at a first end than at a second end.7. The water attraction of claim 1 wherein the sliding surface forms theshape of a half-bowl.
 8. The water attraction of claim 1 furthercomprising a coating applied to the sliding surface for achieving adesired frictional coefficient for the sliding surface.
 9. The waterattraction of claim 1 further comprising a lifting pallet coupled withthe draining surface, the lifting pallet configured to interface with afork-lift for portability between geographic locations.
 10. The waterattraction of claim 1 wherein the source of water is a water nozzle or awater jet.
 11. The water attraction of claim 1 wherein the slidingsurface comprises a tensioned sheet.
 12. A water attraction comprising:a first inflatable bladder; a sliding surface coupled with the firstinflatable bladder and configured to support a user thereon, the slidingsurface having a first contour if the first inflatable bladder isinflated to a first pressure; and a source of water configured toprovide a flow of water onto the sheet for a user to ride thereon. 13.The water attraction of claim 12 further comprising a second inflatablebladder, wherein the sliding surface is coupled with the secondinflatable bladder and having a second contour, different from the firstcontour, if both the first inflatable bladder and the second inflatablebladder are inflated.
 14. The water attraction of claim 12 wherein thefirst inflatable bladder may be inflated to a second pressure, greaterthan the first pressure, to form a second contour for the slidingsurface, the second contour having a higher elevation than the firstcontour.
 15. The water attraction of claim 12 wherein the firstinflatable bladder is configured to be inflated with air.
 16. The waterattraction of claim 12 wherein the first inflatable bladder is formedintegrally with the sliding surface.
 17. The water attraction of claim12 wherein the first inflatable bladder is formed separately from thesliding surface and coupled beneath the sliding surface.
 18. A method ofcreating a wave of water for riding by a user, the method comprising thesteps of: providing a sliding surface, the sliding surface configured tosupport the user thereon; providing an inflatable element positionedbeneath the sliding surface; inflating the inflatable element to a firstpressure; and flowing a flow of water onto the sliding surface, at leasta portion of the flow of water forming a first wave shape based upon acontour of the sliding surface due to the inflatable element beinginflated to the first pressure.
 19. The method of claim 18, furthercomprising the steps of: inflating the inflatable element to a secondpressure; and flowing a flow of water over the sliding surface, at leasta portion of the flow of water forming a second wave shape based upon acontour of the sliding surface due to the inflatable element beinginflated to the second pressure.
 20. The method of claim 18, furthercomprising the steps of: providing a second inflatable elementpositioned beneath the sliding surface; inflating the second inflatableelement; flowing a flow of water onto the sliding surface, at least aportion of the flow of water forming a second wave shape, different fromthe first wave shape, based upon a contour of the sliding surface due tothe first inflatable element and the second inflatable element beinginflated.
 21. A water attraction for riding thereon by a ridercomprising: a source of water for providing a flow of water; a slidingsurface configured to direct the flow of water thereon, the slidingsurface forming the shape of a bowl; a draining surface coupled with thesliding surface and configured to drain at least a portion of the flowof water therethrough; and a path extending from a center of the bowlshape formed by the sliding surface to an area outside of the bowl shapeformed by the sliding surface for allowing the rider to enter or exitfrom the sliding surface.